Today’s visit was of particular interest as I was taken on a walkabout of the campus (North, West and South of the building).  During this time I was asked to identify any areas of concern or where improvements could be taken.  As I have never had to be knowledgable about fire refuge points in buildings this was of personal interest.   When asked about what I would do in certain situations regarding in the scenario of the building is on fire and my peer was wheelchair bound would I stay with them or leave them?  The evacuation chair would I used it? What signage was missing?  It was apparent from the tour the “on the spot” rectification of potential hazards is exactly from what I would have expected.  A slip hazard sign left on the stair was removed upon instantly seeing it, to a less hazardous place near the building entrance.  I commended the lack of trip, slip and fall hazards throughout that are clearly kept to a minimal.  As the majority of workplace accidents are caused by slipping or tripping on something I fully believe that Marjon is one of the safest places I’ve seen.

That said, there are places that could be improved, though this is from a critical perspective when I am looking to nitpick.

With hindsight looking back whilst drafting signage guidance I am surprised at the reliance on photoluminescent signage over luminaries.  There seems to be an abundance of such signs, which when used alongside emergency lighting are sufficient to comply with regulations, but from personal experience of luminaries and emergency lighting testing, I cannot help feeling more confident in luminaries running with and on emergency lighting.  The picture below shows the deterioration in photoluminescent signage (on the right) compared to the luminaire (on the left).

the bottom three show time elapse after 10, 30 and 60 minutes of power failure.

I may bring this to attention in my next meeting.  However, this is just a matter of opinion of which is the better practice.  I fully understand the importance that budgeting and funding have on the ability to provide top-notch systems.   It may well be that as long as the minimum is being achieved there are other areas whos needs that need addressing first.